Ryan Rebello Reflects On Karting Success
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Ryan Rebello has reflected on his “most challenging season” after claiming the overall combined shifter class title in the Bermuda Karting Association [BKA] campaign.
Rebello won the Stock Honda and KZ shifter class, finishing with 1,085 points for his fourth overall title in ten years on the local circuit.
The 36-year-old, who races for the Ital Kart team, said his title meant even more to him considering the stiff competition he faced in former champion Blake Horseman, Stephen Corrado and David Selley.
“There were consistently 13, 14, 15 karts with the two separate classes [Stock Honda and KZ] racing simultaneously, which is more than in the past ten years,” Rebello told Bernews.
“It’s almost shifting from a fun weekend to a seriously competitive race!
“It was one of my more challenging seasons; I kept working on myself and my kart throughout.
Photos courtesy of Stephen Corrado
“We were probably blessed with some luck because Blake had a few bad days with mechanical issues. I pulled ahead during the last few race days and secured the championship.”
Rebello, who has previously raced powerboats and motocross, said he almost hung up his helmet a few years ago but was encouraged to continue to follow his passion by his wife, Brittany.
“I started my own company [Rebello Marine Repairs] and had a little boy, Luke, so my time constraints have got tighter,” Rebello said.
“I thought about stopping a few years ago, but my wife was like, ‘No, we’re going to find the time and money for you to carry on. You love doing it, and everyone should be allowed to do something they love.’
“Maybe she thinks I’d drive her crazy if I was stuck at home!”
He added: “The goal is always to win titles, and it’s lovely to get some credit for the hard work you put in and dollars you spend!”
